Lacie Internet Space 1TB

Hard disks that connect to an internet router rather than a PC have become popular over the last few years.

Lacie’s Internet Space features the latest buzzword from the world of network storage: DLNA certification. All this means is that it can stream videos, music and photos directly to the latest range of DLNA TVs and hi-fis.

Like older network storage devices, the Internet Space is also uPnP compatible so it will stream media to a Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and other media streamers around the home.

The included Desktopmirror software schedules backups from any computer attached to the network, while a solitary USB port lets you add additional storage such as an external disk or USB memory key if the 1TB storage capacity included in the device isn’t enough.

Physically, the Internet Space looks great. Its slick white enclosure with a blue light that reflects onto the surface it sits on has a designer look about it.

A clatter of clicks from its internal hard disk when in use made it one of the noisier network storage devices we’ve tested recently and its file transfer speeds were poor too, although it was still faster than any wireless network so this won’t be an issue for many people.

Network storage devices are often left on 24/7 like a broadband or cable modem, so we were relieved to note its power consumption was only 14 watts, which translates into a reasonable power bill of roughly £14 a year.

Most network storage devices are accessible via the My Network Places icon in Windows XP (shortened to just Network in Vista), which the Internet Space is too.

But Lacie has gone one further by including simple remote access software. Through Lacie’s website, the Internet Space’s files are accessible from any computer around the world once you’ve entered your password (and so long as the Internet Space is turned on). This means family and friends can see your photos and, despite the occasionally sluggish interface, this is undoubtedly the Internet Space’s trump card.

Performance was relatively poor, though, and it can’t handle additional internal hard disks, but the Internet Space is very easy to use and still good value.